superdrive compatibility?

hi guys.


i picked up a used A1379 / MD564LL/A superdrive which does not seem to work with my mac pro since compatibility on mac pro is for 2013.

am i correct in reading here that it will work with my 2013 mac AIR?also, what is the reason it is not compatible with the Mac Pro? some kind of USB hardware issue or some kind of BIOS issue or firmware issue or what exactly?

THANKS


https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD564LL/A/apple-usb-superdrive

Posted on Dec 20, 2019 8:22 PM

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Posted on Dec 21, 2019 12:10 PM

sberman wrote:


hotwheels22 wrote:

am i correct in reading here that it will work with my 2013 mac AIR?
That is not what I see. From the page you linked:
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/1abbea02-2f14-40d1-9644-ef7ea70c7dc7


I don't know how trustworthy that list is. The system requirements (and not the compatibility list) clearly says that it only requires certain models starting with a certain model year. The instructions Apple gives say that it should work on Macs model starting from 2008 that didn't come with a built-in optical drive.


How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support
Check compatibility
The Apple USB SuperDrive is compatible with Mac models from 2008 and later that don't have a built-in optical drive.


I see a lot of things in that "compatibility" list that don't seem to align with actual experience, including compatibility with a 2018 MacBook Air.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 21, 2019 12:10 PM in response to sberman

sberman wrote:


hotwheels22 wrote:

am i correct in reading here that it will work with my 2013 mac AIR?
That is not what I see. From the page you linked:
https://discussions.apple.com/content/attachment/1abbea02-2f14-40d1-9644-ef7ea70c7dc7


I don't know how trustworthy that list is. The system requirements (and not the compatibility list) clearly says that it only requires certain models starting with a certain model year. The instructions Apple gives say that it should work on Macs model starting from 2008 that didn't come with a built-in optical drive.


How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support
Check compatibility
The Apple USB SuperDrive is compatible with Mac models from 2008 and later that don't have a built-in optical drive.


I see a lot of things in that "compatibility" list that don't seem to align with actual experience, including compatibility with a 2018 MacBook Air.

Dec 21, 2019 2:01 PM in response to sberman

sberman wrote:


y_p_w wrote:

I don't know how trustworthy that list is.
I'm not 100% positive either. Better to err on the side of caution.


At the very least Apple has a return period. One could purchase one at an Apple Store and test it out in store. If it doesn't work it could be returned. I'm not sure how they handle DVD/Blu-Ray region settings, but I'd be surprised if the manufacturer couldn't reset it and then sell them as refurbs.


Not sure what the deal is. Since it's used, I would suggest (if available) to make an appointment with an Apple Store to see if anything can be done.

Dec 21, 2019 8:01 AM in response to sberman

THANK YOU berman. i should have been smart enough to click on the compatibility tab.

so i have a 2015 mac air and it appears to be compatible with some of the 2015 airs which is fine since i actually have a cd drive in the mac pro.

if i go into system properties will it tell me whether i have an “early” or “mid” or “late” mac air?

i know mac pros use a designation like 5,1 which i guess is - well i don’t know what it is. but anyway how do i put the compatibility explanation together with which machine i have.

and ALSO can i check the hardware on my machine to see if it has a certain type of USB or what is the reason it only is compatible with more recent macs exactly?

Dec 21, 2019 1:35 PM in response to hotwheels22

hotwheels22 wrote:

if i go into system properties will it tell me whether i have an “early” or “mid” or “late” mac air?

I would start by clicking the Apple logo at the left end of the Menu Bar and then "About this Mac.".



i know mac pros use a designation like 5,1 which i guess is - well i don’t know what it is. but anyway how do i put the compatibility explanation together with which machine i have.


i know mac pros use a designation like 5,1 which i guess is - well i don’t know what it is. but anyway how do i put the compatibility explanation together with which machine i have.

I know Mac Pros use a designation like 5,1 ...

Yes, that could help identify your particular model. If you tell us which you have, we can likely put that together with an "early ... mid ... late"

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superdrive compatibility?

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